Apparatus for and method of moving material



March 17, 1931. n.1. H. MEISTER 1,797,063

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MOVING MATERIAL Filed Jan. 3l, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l mimi] lllllllll /J /fZ 26M ATTORNEYS.

March 17, 1931. 1 MEISTER 1,797,063

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MOVI`NG MATERIAL 7 H6, IN VEN T0R.

A/ Wm rz M ATTORNEYS.

Patented Mar. l?, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFME JOHN HERBERT MEISTER, OF BEND, OREGON, ASSIGNOR TO ELECTRIC STEEL FOUNDRY COMPANY, F PORTLAND, OREGON, A CORPORATION 0F OREGON APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF MOVING MATERIA-L Application filed January 31, 1930.

The present invention is designed to simplifyand cheapen the moving of material. It is particularly advantageous in connection with the skidding of logs and is so eX- emplified in the drawings of this applica.-

tion and specification. `With many materials, particularly such as logs, it is necessary to move them from very diicult positions and from different types of ground surface. In

the logging industry and in the moving of most materials two general methods have been employed. In one of said methods the vehicle is moved adjacent to the material, the material loaded thereon and through the movement of the vehicle transported to its point of destination. The other method in general use for the movement of materials consists in the use of cables which are operated from a fixed point and led out from such point to the material where they are secured to the material and then through the in-drawing of the cables alone the material is moved to its filial destination. Both of these schemes of moving material have their particular advantages. The movement of the material when loaded on a vehicle has no definite limits as to the distance to which the material may be moved. On the other hand, the use of the cables simplifies the reaching of the material when in rather inaccessible places, does away with the loading, and may be utilized in bunching separate units of the ma.-

terial.

The present invention is designed. to kultilize the advantages of both of these systems and consists briefly in the attachment of a vehicle having a high arch connecting separated ground supports, preferably of the crawler type to a tractor, arranging a cable, or line-actuating drum on the tractor and leading the cable, or line from the drum through fair-leads on the arch. This connected apparatus is moved into the vicinity of the logs, or other material, the cable played and, where the logs are of a size permitting it, to be secured through over-running chokers to the cable. The line is then drawn in and thispulling-in of the cable first draws together, or bunches the logs, drags them into out so as to permit it to be secured to the logs Serial No. 424,812.

position under the arch, and then, with a continued pull of the cable on their secured ends lifts them in a bunch into under-hung relation to the arch. With the load thus gathered and preferably supported the connected vehicle and tractor is moved as a carrier through the action of the tractor to the desired destination which, as before stated, may be of indefinite location. In many instances the logging operation involves` the skidiling of the logs from mountain sides'to a stream or railroad siding in the valley. Here the dragging of the free ends of the logs is of .advantage in that it retards the downward movement of the load with the tractor to the point of destination below.

lVith this system, therefore, the effort of securing the logs is reduced to a minimum, the logs are hunched and loaded automatically as it might be said by the mere in-hauling of the cable, and the loading in the under-slung position is so secure as to permit of the movement of the vehicle over very rough and diiicult ground without danger.

vAs compared with the previous methods, either the direct loading method at the point of gathering the material, or the cable method dragging the material to some fixed point, the present system, 'particularly when used in connection with logging cheapens the operation very materially, cheapens the equipment necessary for such efficient operation yvery greatly, and reduces the damage to anv uncut timber very greatly from that of the cable system which has been veryzgenerally used.

Features and details of the invention will appear from the specification and claims.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus and the method of practicing the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the arch vehicle showing the line with the initial hitch on the logs. y

Fig. 2 shows the y logs as they are being bunched and dragged into position under the '26 on the tractor.

Fig. 4 an end view of the arch with the logs in loaded position.

Fig. 5 aside elevation of the tractor, partly in section.

Fig. 6 a plan view, a part being broken away to better show construction.

, 1 marks the arch which has a height corresponding with the material to be handled, but ordinarily is what is termed a high arch so as to give ample clearance for the underslung load. The ends of the arch are forked and swiveled on atrunnion 3 extending from a central frame member 4. Wheels 5 are mounted on axles 6 extending from the frame member 4 and a continuous track 7 is carried by the wheels in the usual manner. This form of ground support is preferred in that it gives a larger ground area for carrying the load and lowers the center of gravity. A forked tongue 8 extends forwardly from the ground support-s; Each of the fork ends of the tongue is also preferably forked at 9 and pivotally secured on the trunnions 3. The forward end of the tongue is provided with an extension 10 which is secured by a ball and socket connection 11 with a tractor 12. This connection While permitting a free swivel movement of the connection locks it against disengagement from thrust in any direction. A strut 13 extends from the forward end of the tongue to the arch. This strut preferably has an upwardly extending forward end 14 so that the part of the strut over the forked portion of the tongue has an elevation approximating that of the arch.

This is of importance as it gives ample space for the under-slung load which may be. extended into this space. The rear end of the strut is forked and the fork ends 15 straddle brackets 16 extending upwardly from the arch. The strut is secured to the brackets by bolts 18 which extend through perforations 19 in the fork ends 15. Preferably a plurality of perforations 19 are provided by means of which the inclination of the arch may be adjustedso as to adapt it to the load with which it is being used. The forward ends of the strut and tongue are braced by a post 20 which extends from the upper portion of the strut to the tongue. A horizontal roller 21 is journaled on a pin 22, the pin being secured in the brackets 16. Vertical rollers 23 are journaled on pins 24 secured in extensions 1-7 on the brackets 16. These rollers operate as a fair-lead guiding the operating cable, or line 25 in position relatively to the top of the arch as itis led from a drum By fair lead I mean a device guiding and deflecting the cable laterally and vertically. The vertical rollers so uide the cable as to permit of quite a wide deflection in the gathering of the logs and the horizontal roller receives the load and thrust of the cable as the logs are dragged in and lifted. The end ofthe cable ordinarily is provided with a hook 27 fromwhich l a choker 28 may be secured to a log 29 farthest out. Supplemental chokers 28 are secured to intermediate logs 30. The supplemental chokers are secured to hooks 31 which are threaded on, or have a running connection with the cable so that as the cable is drawn in .the logs are gradually gathered together, or bunched and the hooks 31 are seated back of the hook 27 at the end of the line. As the line is drawn in, the logs gradually assuming their bunched relation, are drawn under the arch andthrough the hauling in of the cable their front ends are lifted and sustained in under-hung relation to the arch in which position they are loaded and ready to be transported to the point of desired destination.

Any tractor may be used, but I prefer a crawling type tractor in that it is more available for the diiiicult ground in which this apparatus is usually used., This tractor is provided with a power unit 32, the power from which is delivered through the usual controlling clutch 33 and this clutch is controlled by an operating lever 34. A shaft 35 leads from the clutch 33 into a gear box 36 in the Walls of which the shaft is journaled. A gear 37 is fixed on the shaft 35 and drives a gear 38. The gear 38 is fixed on a shaft 39 also journaled in the walls of the gear box. A clutch 40 is arranged at the rear end of the shaft 39 and adapted to lock the shaft 39 with a shaft 41. The clutch is controlled by a lever 42. "A beveled gear 43 on the rear end of the shaft 41 meshes with a beveled gear 44 on a shaft 45. The shaft 45 is journaled in a drum carrying frame 46. A gear 47 on the shaft 45 meshes with a gear 48 journaled on a drum shaft 49. A gear 50 is fixed on the gear 48 and drives a gear 51'. The gear 51 is fixed on a shaft 52. A gear 53 is fixed on the opposite end of the Yshaft 52 and meshes with a gear 54v on the drum 26. Ratchet teeth 55 are arranged on the opposite end of the drum and a. pa-Wl 56 is adapted `to operate in relation with the ratchet teeth locking the drum as it is actuated against a return movement and lthus locking the drum for holding the load in the elevated `position.L A brake 57 is arranged on the shaft 52 and this is actuated through a brake'rod 58, lever 59 and operating lever 60 in the usual manner. It will be seen, therefore, that through this chain of mechanism the drum actuating the cable may be driven from. the power unit of the tractor and may be locked so as to maintain the logs in the loaded, or lifted position and may be released, or disconnected from the power unit of the tractor sol as to permit of the free use of the tractor after the loading operation. I

A tractor frame 61 is mounted between the track carriers 62, a front wheel 63 beingjournaled on an axle 64-arranged in the track menace carrier 62. A rear, or driving wheel is mounted on a shaft, or axle 66 also connected with the track carrier 62. A track 67 is mounted on the wheels 63 and 65 and driven from the wheel 65. A. gear 68 is fixed with the wheel 65 and thus meshes with the gear 69. The gear 69 is mounted on a cross shaft 69a. The gear 69 receives its power from a shaft 7 0 and the shaft 70 is adapted to be driven through the several speed-changing gears 71 on the shaft 39 and gears 72 and 73 on the shaft 70. The gear 73 can be locked through an internalr system of teeth 74 in the gear 37 and thus provides for a direct connection between the shaft 35 and the shaft 70. The shaft drives a beveled gear 75 and this meshes with and drives a beveled gear 76. The beveled gear 76 is mounted on a crossshaft 77. Clutches 78 are arranged on the cross shaft and communicate movement through a gearing (not shown) to the shaft 69a in the usual manner. The clutches 78 are controlled by levers 79 and the levers 79 are controlled through a tie rod 80 actuated by a steering lever 81. Brakes 82 are arranged in connection with the clutches and these are operated through brake rods 83 from pedals 84 in the usual manner. The tractor here shown is of a common and usual construction. The clutch 74 permits the tractor to be disconnected from the drive connection for the drum and thus the operator has this selective means for either driving the tractor, or the drum to carry out the dual schelne of moving the material.

It will be noted that the tongue in this apparatus through the pull of the cable and the action of the load on the arch is ordinarily thrust toward the tractor and that it may have a tendency to lift, or be depressed on the tractor. It is, therefore, desirable that the tongue not only be swiveled relatively to the tractor but locked against disengagement under these varying thrusts.

Among the very definite advantages of the apparatus is its great flexibility and while the manner here described of utilizing the apparatus is preferable, in operation it will be understood that it lends itself to variations. In some ope-rations it may well be that. the vehicle and tractor may be moved after securing the line to the material in assisting in the gathering. or bunching the mater al under certain conditions. Vhile I prefer to sustain the entire weight and traction of the logs through the cable as the logs are transported through the movement of the vehic-le, I do not wish to be limited to an apparatus in which the whole load or the entire drag is sustained by the cable. It will be understood, therefore, that modifications. both in the apparatus and in the manner of using it may be made, and I' do not wish to be limited, therefore, either as to the precise structure, or as to the manner or method of using it except as distinctly expressed. While I have shown ground supports of the crawler type, I make no specific claim to this type of support as distinguished from other types of ground supports.

What I claim as new is 1. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection between said supports, and a tongue connecting the vehicle with the tractor; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fair-lead on the load-carrying connection; and a line leading from the drum and through the fairlead whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may be drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection, and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

2. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection between said supports, and a forked tongue pivotally connected to the supports connecting the vehicle with the tractor; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fair-lead on the load-carrying connection; and a line leading from the drum and through the fairlead whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may be drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

3. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection in the form of an arch between said supports, and a tongue connecting the vehicle with the tractor; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a `fair-lead on the load-carrying connection; and a line leading from the drum and through the fair-lead whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may be drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection, and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

4. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection in the form of afn arch between said supports, and a tongue forming a connection between thedrawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection, and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

5. In a material movingA apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection in the form of an arch between said supports, a tongue connecting the vehicle with the tractor, said arch connection having a pivotal relation with relation to the supports and a rigid relation with relation to the tongue, and means maintaining the relation of the arch to the tongue comprising a brace extending from the arch to the forward part of the tongue; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fair-lead on the load-carrying connection; and a line leading from the drum and through the fair-lead whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected-with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may be drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection, and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

6. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports, a load-carrying connection between said supports, and a tongue connecting the vehicle with the traotor;..a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fairlead on the load-carrying connection, said fair-lead comprising vertical and horizontal rollers; and a line leading from the drum and through the fair-lead whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may be drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into` said supports; and a tongue connecting the vehicle with the tractor; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fairlead on the load-carrying connection; a line leading from the drum and through the fairlead; and means for locking the drum to maintain the load in lifted position whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with material remote from the load-carrying connection and the material may vbe drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection, and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

8. In a material moving apparatus, the combination of a power-actuated tractor; a vehicle comprising separated ground supports; a. load-carrying connection between said supports, and a tongue connecting the vehicle with the tractor; a drum on the tractor; means for driving the drum; a fairlead on the load-carrying connection; a line leading from the drum and through the fairlead; and a plurality of attaching means on the line adapted to secure and bunch a plurality of units of material, whereby the line may be played out in various directions and connected with separated units remote from the load-carrying connection and the units' may be gathered and.bunched and drawn by the line into position under the connection, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection and then moved with the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor.

9. The method of actuating a tractor and a connected vehicle having separated ground supports and a load-carrying connection between said supports in the skidding of logs which consists in leading a power-actuated line from the tractor in fair-leading and loadactuating relation to the connection, securing said line to a plurality of logs, gathering said logs through the indrawing of the line, bunching the same as they are drawn into position at the connection, lifting the logs so bunched into load hauling relation to the connection through a continued pull on the line, and moving the vehicle in response to a movement of the tractor in any direction selected at the instant and at the will of an operator to the desired destination.

10. In combination, an automotive apparatus adapted tobemoved toanydesired destination in directions at the will of an operator;

a fair lead and load-lifting means secured to and movable with the apparatus; a drum on the apparatus; means for driving the drum; a line leading from the drum and through the fair lead, and a plurality of attaching means on the line adapted to secure, gather and bunch a plurality of units of material through the indravcing of the line, whereby the line may be played out lin various directions and connected with the separated units remote from the apparatus and the units may be secured, gathered and hunched through the indrawing of the line and drawn by the line to the apparatus, lifted at least partially into load hauling relation to the connection and then moved with the apparatus to the desired destination in directions at the will of the operator.

11. The method of actuating an automotive apparatus adapted to be moved to any desired destination in directions at the will of an operator in the skidding oflogs, which consists in leading a power actuated line from the apparatus in fair leading and load-actuating relation to the apparatus, securing said line to a plurality of logs, gathering the logs through the indrawing of the line, bunching the same as' they are drawn into position at the apparatus, lifting the logs so hunched into load-hauling relation to the apparatus through a continued pull on the line and moving the apparatus in any direction selected at the instant and at the will of the operator to the desired destination.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN HERBERT MEISTER. 

